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Exporting and international trade

The Department for International Trade (DiT) works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets by helping them to export their products and services overseas.

They have access to a large network of contacts, including staff in Embassies and Consulates around the globe in more than 100 international markets, so they are well positioned to research opportunities and help you to break into new markets.

DiT can support your business with the following services.

Department for International Trade (DiT) services

Trade advisors

Local businesses can book a free 30-minute video consultation with an International Trade Advisor.

You can contact our local DiT Advisor at:

Export Academy

The Export Academy provides free webinars, round table meetings and mentoring sessions to learn how to sell to customers around the world with confidence. If you complete the whole programme, you will graduate with a completed export action plan, enabling you to take your business direct to international customers.

Open to Export

Open to Export is a free online information service for SMEs looking for support to grow internationally by exporting from the UK. Companies can work together and share information, advice and support about export market opportunities and means of entry. The information, answers, advice, and articles on Open to Export are all composed by the site's users, community and key contributors.

Exporting is GREAT

This service provides export market guides to help you find overseas opportunities. You can download market guides to support your research plans and sign up for business events near you.

Get help to sell online worldwide

Let the DiT help you export your products to consumers around the world through online marketplaces.

Connect directly with international buyers

Let buyers find you by setting up a free business profile that highlights your business' projects and experiences, to give buyers insight into what you can do for them.

website: Create a business profile on great.gov.uk

The Internationalisation Fund

The Internationalisation fund is for SMEs who have a significant potential to grow international sales. Eligible projects will have a minimum project value of £2000 and maximum £18,000; up to 50% grant funding is available.

This fund can be used for:

  1. Market research
  2. IP advice
  3. Translation services
  4. International social media marketing
  5. Trade fairs and International market visits
  6. Consultancy support and other overseas commercialisation services.

Discover investment opportunities and learn how your business can expand in the US

The US is the UK’s largest export market for goods and services, and accounts for 20.4% of all exports from UK which is worth £140.9bn.

Ashfield District Council are working in partnership with Mentor City in Ohio, they have opportunities for local companies across a broad range of industries. They can help UK businesses ‘do business’ in the US, by connecting them with the right people such as lawyers, distributers, partners, manufacturers and identify investment opportunities and commercial sites, should you wish to expand your operations and establish a base over there.

So, if you’re serious about wanting to access new markets in the US, then the city of Mentor could be an excellent first step. Similarly, Mentor City have businesses looking to establish trade links over here, so this offers an excellent opportunity for Ashfield businesses to explore mutually beneficial relationships and trade with the US.

Ways to contact business support

The best way to contact us is through our online form so we have the right information to help you as quickly as possible. Contact us by: